Do Geckos Lose their Tails?
Geckos are one of the most fascinating species of reptiles. They are known for their unique features such as their claws and the ability to “walk” up vertical surfaces. Another of their incredible traits is their ability to lose their tails. This is known as autotomy or self-amputation.
What is Autotomy?
Autotomy is the ability of a gecko to voluntarily detach its tail from the body. This is a defense mechanism against predators and provides them with the opportunity to escape. As soon as the tail is detached, the gecko will quickly try to crawl away to safety.
What Happens to their Tail?
When a gecko’s tail is detached it will wriggle in an effort to confuse the predator and buy the gecko more time to run off. The body of the gecko will recognize the tail has been lost, and the cells will start to heal over the area, creating a scar-like tissue.
Do they Regrow?
Unfortunately, once the tail has been lost, the gecko will not be able to regrow its tail. The gecko is able to survive without its tail, but it is not a pleasant experience for them. The tail contains many of the gecko’s body fat reserves, which are crucial for their survival.
Conclusion
In conclusion, geckos are able to lose their tails if necessary, but it does come with a cost. They are not able to regrow their tail, and it also means they have lost their fat reserves, which can have an effect on their health over time.
